Looking to buy first speedster - Need Advice

I am in the market and debating on a new VS or a used Beck. What do I really need to know on making my decision. I live 40 miles west of Chicago and Beck's location is a plus. Is there really a difference in the pan, VW vs. Beck built.

I have a VS and had to many mods to make it satify my needs. A beck will be more 356 correct and you will be more pleased with it . but if they offer a roadster with roll up windows you would be Well pleased and much happier with a rain proof car. It will also be warmer in the winter and hold in the heat in better.

Either path will introduce you to a lot on enjoyment - if you have the right attitude. Don't expect it to be a modern car, but more like a go-kart with headlights and better somewhat better weather proofing.

As for the comparison, I would say that the Beck frame give you advantages in terms of interior space, and the water sealing is a non-issue around the floors due to the way the car is built. I have ridden in pan-based cars that feel just as rigid, but I have never actually ridden in a VS. Not sure how that happened since I know so many people with them. Both the Beck folks (Carey and Kevin Hines) and the VS folks (Kirk and Mary Duncan) are known for their customer service, but your proximity to Beck is certainly an advantage.

If you buy used, you can usually get more car for the money, but you sacrifice some choices. If you buy new (and sometimes if you buy used) you WILL have issues that require sorting in the first few months. These are custom-built cars that do not have the consistency of assembly line-built vehicles, nor do the builders have the resources to ensure consistent quality of parts from their suppliers.

Welcome to the Madness!

Thanks Barry & Lane. It seems like I have made my "decision" at least 1000 times already. Let the madness begin.

I vote for Becks. You can't beat the tube frames. Along with IM and SAS I consider Becks to be one of the top 3 builders. If I didn't own an IM I'd only be looking for a Becks (or an SAS.. but I might not be alive by the time that car was built)

Since SAS has been mentioned, I would like to submit that's an apple-orange discussion. It doesn't apply to the gentleman's question, which regarded rear-engined, presumably air-cooled cars. SAS is in its own league, doing incredibly interesting things with an entirely different platform and experimenting with all kinds of things which sometimes don't make it to production cars. They've been beat up enough here, IMHO, and produce a stellar product for those patient enough to benefit.

Apart from that, I would STRONGLY encourage attending the proposed Mid-American gathering the Michiana and Illiconsin guys have been kicking around. It should be well-attended, if they can get something off the ground, with a few of just about everything within a day's drive.

My observations, for what little they'd be worth, are that the Beck is hugely solid, fairly bullet-proof and finished very nicely. They do bear a great resemblance to the originals, but also can be made to incorporate surprising amount of innovative technology at the Bremen facility.

The only drawback I see to the Beck is the height of the seats from the floor. I hadn't thought about that until I had a conversation recently with another Speedster owner -- then I started looking at pictures. If you're a taller person, you might think you're a little taller in a Beck than in someone else's car.

Vintage makes a really good product also. I really like them, and -- again, just my two cents -- they're really FUN to drive and easy to maintain. They are a really neat adaptation of old-school tech and looks in a true-to-form, simple to operate car.

I'm not on the fence, though. I'm a horsepower guy. I like the offerings of a giant engine and tube chassis for my driving habits. I would utterly destroy a Vintage in about a minute. A Beck might take a little longer, but I'd probably fare a touch better in the eventual crash.

Both companies have way over-the-top customer service, and the hobby is lucky to have them supplying cars to the unwashed masses for what really is a reasonable cost of entry into the game.

Whichever you decide on, if you're limited to those two choices, buy the best example for your needs. Don't jump on the first one that comes along.

Cory's right about the Beck seat height. The seats are a bit thinner than those in a VS, but the floor is 1" higher. I'm just under 6' with a long torso, and the top of the windshield bisects my vision. After a while you don't notice it. If you get a Beck, the earlier seats like mine (an '06) are more comfortable as hey have more under-thigh support and the padding is a bit softer. They just don't look as original. I know it may be to close to make plans, but I really recommend joining us at Carlisle this year, even if you fly in for one day. Given what you're thinking about spending on a toy, joining us for a short visit would be a good investment. You could compare cars side by side, and even drive some. I'd be happy to let you have a little stick time in mine.

It took me probably better than a year to make up my mind. I hope you can move faster than I did.

What I have learned is that you can get whatever you want, but know what that is first! I had great advice from Stan Galat, drclock, Cory Drake and others chimed in.

I found that once I had looked through photos of several hundred cars, really evaluated what my driving habits would be and thought about the conditions here in Central Illinois, that I could make a list of what I wanted in my first Speedster. I didn't get everything I wanted, but that is part of the fun, making a car your own, and I continue to modify the car to my taste! At some point I'll probably sell and get another one, but I haven't maxed out the fun of this one yet.

I bought a used VS from Michael "Sludge" Beaucage in California, who is a long time member of the SOC and I couldn't be happier. I believe that if you seek help from the people on this site, and buy a known car from somebody who is invested in the Speedster community and has a good reputation, you have a better than even chance of coming out where you want to be.

Or, just buy a new one as you are contemplating, but plan on some sorting out as a matter of course.

In any event, let me know if you are ever headed to the Peoria area and you can take my car for a spin.

Welcome to the madness as well. It's a great kind of crazy!

buy a used, well sorted out car. then u can decided if u want to stay with speedsters . buy a new one and 2K miles later its not really what u want and u take a big hit on depreciation.

Being close to Bremen is a real plus in my opinion. Sometimes they have some back in on consignment.

In any case good luck!!!

I concur on being close to Bremen. I've been there twice, so far, initial look see and test drive and back again for some upgrades. I plan to take her back this next winter for a few more things.

Thank you all for the help and guidance. After a drive out to Bremen today, it looks like a Beck for me. They have a 2008 with 800 miles and looks great. Now the waiting game.

Excellent! Another SOC Beck owner!

Congratulations! A man of action among us. You moved fast!I don't know much about Becks but what I've read and been told, but most everything I here supports the notion that they are great cars.

Welcome to the madness. I look forward to getting together once you get your car for a cruise somewhere in the Heartland.

Bob

Thanks Joe. In addition to Kevin & Carey, the folks on this board helped me spec it out. It was a team effort.

Tom is was the pictures of your Beck that motivated me to take the drive. Kevin and Carey were absolutely awesome and to be tansparent the deal is not offically done.

Joe - Welcome o The Madness!! Resistance is FUTILE!!

Don't worry about the seat height for Joey. He drank a lot of espresso growing up so the seat height may be an advantage. Joe, we do a little ball busting around here so don't take us too seriously:~)

Looking forward to having you and another Speedster so close. It makes it a lot more fun!

If this comes to fruition, Joe, congratulations. Marty and I are going to be planning a Fall 2012 run somewhere, hopefully you'll be able to join us. Yes, Welcome to the Madness. What's the flavor of the Beck that you covet?

Yes I am vertically challenged but do fit in a speedster very well. Made the deal today for a 2008 Beck, it

Congratulations, Joe!

You'll not only love the car, but you'll love dealing with the Hines family of fine Speedster Purveyors. They're a nice family and run a great business.

Gordon
The Speedstah Guy from Grafton

Joe---welcome to the madness!

Great to see you pulled the trigger on a Beck---you can't do much better! What are the specs on your car.

We always say that owning a Speedster is 1/2 the fun and the other half is attending the various gatherings around the country.

There are some folks making the trip from your neck of the woods to the annual Carlisle, PA event---a guaranteed winner of a time. Check the details under "Events" and see about attending. You will meet so many new friends that talk Speedster plus get lots of ideas for your car. The Hines men will be there too--they are super supporters opf the SOC; really above and beyond.

I hope you will consider making it over to Carlisle----should be a good shakedown cruise for your new ride.

I wonder if he got Aaron White's car. If so, it has some serious horsepower.

Don't think so Lane, it has wide 5's

Thanks again to everyone who chimed in. I pick up my new toy tomorrow and have never looked so forward to a 2.5 hr drive. Feeling like a little kid the day before Christmas. Only question is can I expect to cruise along at 65 on the tollway.

Marty I picked up a can of fix a flat and packed my sun screen :-).

Joe, I rarely cruise at 65 - usually it's more like 75. Welcome to the Madness!!!

Congratulations, Joe!

Smart man. I was too picky and waited 9 months for mine :-)

Joe, to avoid the tollways (and a gazillion semi's) last fall, I took the "scenic" route around the lower south side of the Chicago area and ventured along Highway 30, on the way down AND back from Bremen. The "scenic" route consists of a stop light about every mile or so resulting in a 7 hour one way trip - WI to Bremen. Now that my car is much better sorted out, I'll never do that again and brave the semi's in the future. A Beck Speedster is quite capable of cruising at 65 mph or better. Have fun, it's going to be a gorgeous day for a ride in your almost like new Beck Speedster today.

Joe---man, I know you're excited! Give us a report on how the drive goes!

You may find, as I did, that highway travel is a LOT nicer with the top up. Less noise, wind buffeting, etc. I never put my top down on a highway trip. Try it both ways and see what you prefer.

Most likely, your Beck has a 1915cc engine (that's pretty popular in Beck cars) so I wouldn't worry too much about maintaining 65 mph on a turnpike. If you asked if you could maintain 85-90 or something like that I might raise an eyebrow, but 65-75 will be a snap. Most of us do that all the time (if not higher!)

Good luck with the new toy.......

You might be deceived, too. I have an mph speedo in my Beck and I'm convinced that it reads 5 mph too fast. I have verified with GPS, and those speedo signs that the cops put up to tell you how fast you're going. This means, probably, that my mileage is also racking up faster on the odo than it should. I'm going to have Carey take a look at this this winter to see if something can be done.

Made it home safe and sound. I now need a plastic surgeon to remove the smile from my face. Went top down for 145 miles and was fun as hell, even had a chance to use my cell with a sure headset. Kept it around 110kmh and at times 130 or so, don't know how accurate the gauges are but was moving with traffic. I was even bold enough to stop at a the mall, had to drop off my Mac for repairs. Of course once I pulledin the driveway had every neighbor asking 10k questions which I answered. Just got the bugs off and taking the wife out for dinner, she even wants to try it out. Will post pictures later... What a blast!!!!

And one more shout out to Kevin, Carry and everyone at Beck you guys are absolutely

.....now i just need to figure out how to get the top up :-)

Yee haaa!

Tom - If you're running the 185 tires, you are correct about the speedo being high. The lower profile tires cause that.

Joe - glad to hear you made it home safely,and had a great time, to boot! Here's wishing you many miles of Speedster nirvana!

Peace- Out!

You're a typical Illinois Speed Demon, glad you're having fun. Perfect Speedster weather today here in the midwest. Congrats. Just leave the top down, only Marty puts his up.

I resemble that remark!